Do I need to fast for hemoglobin A1C?

No, you do not need to fast before taking a hemoglobin A1C test. Unlike some other blood sugar tests (e.g., fasting glucose test), the A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is not affected by recent meals. However, your doctor may order additional tests (e.g., cholesterol) that require fasting, so always follow their instructions.